It can't be that time of year... it was just here yesterday! I definitely agree that time sure goes much faster as you get older.

We spent last week doing a little decorating for 'Light Up Shelbyville' and the big 'to do's' that the town has the first week of November. As a retail store in a small town, I have always followed the trend to be decorated and ready. I did it for fun, knowing that as a fabric store my season was winding down, not gearing up.

As I spend time trying to make my life simpler, I admire the big chain stores that aren't afraid to make a statement about Thanksgiving and to keep the order of holidays in perspective. I'm also spending more time concentrating on a fun Thanksgiving meal with family. Even if I don't like to cook!!

​The week that we spend getting ready for the Open House is always my birthday week and I look forward to the fact that I usually get beautiful flowers from my kids, my husband or my friends. I LOVE flowers. They're one of the things that just makes me smile!

I want to shout out to Flowers By Sharon. For years they have arranged all the beautiful flowers that I have given to my employees for their birthdays. I just call, tell them a little something about each person and, voila....

a very unique arrangement personalized just for them!! Small towns are great!

And then there were the birthday goodies, compliments of the ladies at the shop!! Ice cream of many flavors and of course, the cookies. Now, it didn't matter that I'd already had my Dr. Pepper and cookies for breakfast, this still made a great end to lunch!!

Sunday was the first day in a LONG time that I had nothing scheduled. You know how long it has been since I started painting the house... a long time. ​I have had two sets of company while my house was in disarray and we just walked around the mess.

My curtains have been made for months and I finally got around to getting them hung. I still have the top ropes to hang on the antique door knobs but I am making progress. My cat, dog and husband were not in the least bit troubled that I worked around them as they napped and watched TV. ​I just told them when to move!!

How beautiful that the sun was setting while I was taking this picture... and it matched the drapes!!

I am headed to Florida for a few days of R&R with Jeff. Looking forward to that time together! But... when I get back I'm starting on my holiday projects and need to figure out what they'll be!

A SPECIAL INVITATION to you.... On the 19th of November I want to have a UFO Day for anyone who would like to come play in the Grand Studio and have a little fun and fellowship. Just bring the unfinished projects you want to work on. Oh it will make me feel so much better to know that I am not the only one with things that are not finished!!

​The store will be open from 10 - 5. Come in the front door of the STUDIO off Washington St. Bring a lunch or order from one of our local eateries. Hope to see lots of you here and see what you are working on!!